“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 Glancing out the frosty window, I inwardly groaned. Gray skies, bare trees, and, what-on-earth? Snowflakes! Not already! Not after a cooler than usual summer. Not so close to last…
I Just Didn’t Know
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105, NIV Caught up in conversation with my two daughters in the backseat, my teachable moment fizzled as I spied flashing lights in the rearview mirror. A few moments later the polite policeman asked if I had any idea how fast I was…
Run-Flat Faith, Part II
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 NIV Last week we defined a Run-Flat Faith: A Faith that sustains even when punctured and obstacles are thrown in its way. A faith that does not need a spare, and does not require a reevaluation in…
Run-Flat Faith, Part 1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him…
Bless By My Mess
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to…
Wanting Wisdom, Part II
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us. “ I John 4:18-19 Staring at my planner, the book I live out of, I dipped my head and breathed a prayer, “Lord, please…
Wanting Wisdom, Part I
” If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 NIV At ten years old, Ella was a lovely girl with high standards. She was enthusiastic and energetic. Her mom wasn’t surprised when she asked for permission…
Starting Success With Failure
““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “Lord, why did I ever think I should attempt this?” Sara desperately prayed as she stared at the computer screen before her. Why on…
Lifting Leidy
“ and a little child will lead them.” Isaiah 11:6b Six-year-old Colette sat coloring at the kitchen table. She loved the feel of the markers in her hands. She loved the broad stripes of color she created with each stroke. And, she loved these oversized coloring sheets featuring her favorite character: Hello Kitty. As she decided on her…
The Perfect Ten
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV As I settled myself onto the cold, hard, gray bleachers, I chose to ignore the prevalent smell of perspiration. Once again, I was at the gym. I watched the gymnasts of varying abilities. The…